Switzerland’s World Cup squad travelled to the United States without Breel Embolo on Tuesday after the forward’s Esta authorisation was placed under review.
The review of Embolo’s Esta – an automated system that determines if an international visitor is eligible to enter the US without a traditional visa – relates to a Swiss court ruling about an altercation Embolo was involved in in Basel in 2018.
The 29-year-old, who has scored 23 goals in 85 games for his country and played in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and handed a suspended fine.
After the verdict was upheld on appeal, Swiss media reported in April that the Stade Rennais attacker had decided not to take the case to the Federal Court, making the judgement final.
“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” the Swiss federation said in a statement.
“His Esta authorisation had been approved until this morning. However, at 10:30am, we were informed that his Esta application had been placed under further review.
“We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and join the squad then.”
Embolo was allowed to enter the US in June 2025 for friendly matches against Mexico and the US.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Swiss national team Instagram account published a photo of the players on the plane with the caption: “One seat empty, but not for long. See you soon Breel Embolo.”
Switzerland, whose World Cup base is in San Diego, will begin their group stage campaign on June 13 against Qatar in Santa Clara, before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood and co-hosts Canada in Vancouver.
